Yosemite National Park's Waterfalls

Yosemite Waterfalls

Snow melting in the Sierra forms creeks and lakes. In the surrounding region, these creeks flow to the edge of the Valley to form cataracts and waterfalls.

A fan of creeks and forks of the Merced River take drainage from the Sierra crest and combine at Merced Lake. The Merced then flows down to the end of its canyon (Little Yosemite Valley), where it begins what is often called the Giant Staircase. The first drop is Nevada Fall, which drops 594 feet (181 m), bouncing off the granite slope below it. Below is Vernal Fall, 317 feet (97 m) high, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Valley. The Merced then descends down rapids to meet Illilouette Creek, which drops from the valley rim to form Illilouette Fall. They combine at the base of the gorges that contain each stream, and then flow around the Happy Isles to meet Tenaya Creek at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley proper.

Tenaya Creek flows southwest from Tenaya Lake and down Tenaya Canyon, finally flowing between Half Dome and North Dome before joining the Merced River. The following falls tumble from the Valley rim to join the Merced at various points:

• Yosemite Falls (2,425 ft) Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 ft), the middle cascades (675 ft), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 ft). (Yosemite Creek)

• Snow Creek Falls (2,140 ft)

• Sentinel Falls (1,920 ft)

• Ribbon Fall (1,612 ft)

• Royal Arch Cascade (1,250 ft)

• Lehamite Falls (1,180 ft)

• Staircase Falls (1,020 ft)

• Bridalveil Fall (620 ft). (Bridalveil Creek)

• Silver Strand Falls (574 ft)